선전과 동원 정치로서의 새마을연극

Abstract

This article examines the aspect of Saemaeul-theatre(play) fostered under the Yushin Regime in the 1970s and the value of history of (Korean) drama. Saemaeul-theatre is the political purpose theatre to propagate the ideology of the Yushin Regime and mobilize people. Saemaeul-theatre was nurtured, headed by the Ministry of Culture and Public Information. ‘Saemaeul-theatre Undong’ that began in 1972 is the measure for the promotion of theater in order to disseminate Saemaeul Undong spirit, which is the representative ideology of the Yushin Regime. The key points of ‘Saemaeul-theatre Undong’ are spread of Saemaeul-play scripts, organization of theater for the performance at schools and workplaces, hosting national Saemaeul-theater competitions, road tours of plays about Saemaeul Undong and so on. They implemented the policy to invigorate composition of Saemaeul-plays as well as ‘Saemaeul-theatre Undong.’ They held ‘Creative Playwriting Competition’ and presented awards to the winners. Then they purchased, published and distributed the plays. Furthermore, they also ensured establishment and presentation of literary awards, organization of field trips for writers to the site of Saemaeul Undong and publication of collection of Saemaeul-plays. ‘Saemaeul-theatre Undong’ proceeded in the name of promoting culture and arts. In particular, in the field of theater they promoted the importance of Saemaeul-theatre Undong to the effect of supporting creative plays. However, Saemaeul-theatre(Saemaeul-play) was used as a tool of educating people to be obedient to Yushin ideology.